Higher Education SPROUT Project

Shih Hsin University’s second phase of the Ministry of Education's Higher Education SPROUT Project (HESP) encompasses four primary objectives, eight strategies, and 13 action plans. Through a top-down approach, the project has facilitated curriculum reforms across faculties, developed innovative teaching models, and promoted industry-academia collaboration. These efforts aim to enhance the key competencies of Shih Hsin University students, equipping them to thrive in the omnipresent media environment and contribute to a sustainable society. The summary of goal achievement and highlights for Phase I (2023–2024) are as follows:

I. Innovative Teaching

1. Developing Suitable Teaching Spaces
   
   
   
   
   • Advanced technologies and high-end film and television production facilities with international standards have been introduced. These include the Omni Media Building, LED Virtual Stage, Shih Hsin Radio Station, Podcast/Live Streaming Studios, and expanded production studios. These professional teaching and practice spaces have been integrated into curriculum planning and teaching resource requirements, supporting cross-departmental teaching and practical courses to enhance student learning outcomes.
   
   
   
   


2. Establishment of the AI Content Creation Center
   
   
   
   • In response to the GenAI development trends, the "AI Content Creation Lab" will be established in March 2024, in collaboration with the College of Management’s Cloud-based Digital Learning Center. This center will experiment with cloud computing functionalities and programming design while significantly increasing the usage of virtual and high-end computer labs. It will provide computational resources required for video production and AI training, addressing the operational needs of students from various departments.
   
   
   
   


3. Empowering Faculty in AI Integration
   
   
   
   • To assist faculty in adopting AI in teaching, a range of initiatives has been implemented, including faculty development communities, academic exchange forums, academic ethics lectures, academic conferences, teaching innovation sessions, and industry-expert lectures. These activities invited experts to share insights on AI applications, impacts, and development trends, enhancing faculty capabilities. In the 2023 academic year, 129 courses underwent adjustments, and AI-related courses will continue to be introduced in the 2024 academic year.
   
   
   
   

II. Social Responsibility

1. Sustainability Advocacy
   
   
   
   
   • In November 2023, Shih Hsin University signed a sustainability pledge with Ambassador Eugene Chien of the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy. The university is set to publish its first Sustainability Report in August 2024, accelerating policy discussions and the implementation of sustainability governance mechanisms.
   
   
   
   


2. University Social Responsibility (USR) Initiatives
   
   
   
   • During the 2023–2024 period, the university received funding from the Ministry of Education to incorporate social responsibility into campus development planning, supporting seven internal USR Hub projects. Many of these initiatives have a focus on communication, resulting in outputs such as health communication videos, medical advertising films, and a podcast series. These efforts amplify media influence while enhancing students' social engagement capabilities.
   
   
   
   

III. Industry-Academia Collaboration

1. Talent Development in Film and Television
   
   
   
   
   • To discover and nurture outstanding film and television talent, a campus-wide audition event was held in 2023, attracting 71 student participants. The self-produced series Evil Spirits World cultivated 37 promising talents across eight major roles in film and television production.
   
   
   
   


2. Establishment of the S.H. Award
   
   
   
   • Shih Hsin University launched the S.H. Award to encourage students to create exceptional graduation works and audiovisual productions. The award has been held consecutively from 2023 to 2024, with distinguished alumni serving as judges and presenters, establishing a legacy linked to the Golden Horse, Golden Bell, and Golden Melody Awards.
   
   
   
   

3. Internship Collaboration with 406 Institutions
   
   
   
   
   • In the 2023 academic year, Shih Hsin University collaborated with 406 internship organizations, including public and private institutions, groups, and non-profit organizations. A total of 1,088 students participated in internships, accumulating 176,157 hours of practical training, effectively bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice.
   
   
   
   

IV. Enhancing the Public Nature of Higher Education

1. Student Assistance Program
   
   
   
   
   • Beginning in the 2023 academic year, the program achieved its external fundraising goal of NT$5 million. This funding increased monthly learning assistance grants for disadvantaged students from NT$3,000–5,000 to NT$8,000, enabling them to balance academic pursuits with their living needs.
   
   
   
   


2. Indigenous Students Resource Center
   
   
   
   • The center provides services and support to Indigenous students, organizes courses on Indigenous cultures, hosts Indigenous arts and cultural sharing events, and facilitates tribal visits. These activities enhance the understanding and recognition of Indigenous cultures among faculty, staff, and students across the university.